Ohio Breweries by Rick Armon

The Rail, a gourmet burger restaurant at the Summit Mall in Fairlawn, has started a monthly beer class featuring Ohio-made brews and appearances by Ohio brewers. Restaurant owner Mike Mariola started the classes after noticing plenty of interest in Ohio beer, which also happened to be the best-selling draft beer at The Rail. "There seemed to be this curiosity of finding new stuff and there are a lot of local breweries popping up," he said. "[The classes] seemed like a nice way to introduce new beers to our customers." Matthew Barbee, owner and brewer at Rockmill Brewery in Lancaster, will visit Thursday. Rockmill makes well-respected Belgian-style ales on a former horse farm. There are two tasting sessions — at 6 and 7:30 p.m. The cost is $12. Seating is limited and reservations can be made by calling 330-864-7245. The Rail will stock Rockmill Witbier and Dubbel if people cannot attend the tasting. Akron’s Ohio Brewing Co. will be the featured brewery at the next class on March 15.